Rangayana Raghu

Kotturu Chikkarangappa Raghunath (born 17 April 1965), known by his screen name Rangayana Raghu, is an Indian film and stage actor, known for his work in Kannada cinema. He is a recipient of multiple Filmfare Awards South, SIIMA Awards, and two Karnataka State Film Awards.

Born in Kotturu, a village in the Tumkur district of the erstwhile Mysore State (now Karnataka), to a Bayalaata artist, Raghu was inspired to act as a teenager. He began his career in theatre and worked as a stage actor with B. V. Karanth's theatre group Rangayana, from 1988 to 1999. His first feature film, Suggi, got shelved, and Bhoomi Thayiya Chochchala Maga (1998) was his first release. During the initial phase of his career, Raghu usually portrayed comedic or negative-shaded characters and played supporting roles. His first major break came when he appeared as an antagonist in Dhumm (2002). He is best noted for his performance in the 2007 film Duniya which won him his second Karnataka State Film Award for Best Supporting Actor. His other notable roles during this period came in Ranga SSLC (2004), Suntaragaali (2006), Cyanide (2006), Raam (2009), Olave Mandara (2011) and Jayammana Maga (2013).

Later, Raghu progressed to play more character and lead roles, while also appearing frequently in comedic roles. He became noted for his versatility, and earned praise for his performances in films such as Badava Rascal (2021), Family Pack (2022), Rangasamudra (2024) and Shakhahaari (2024). He has appeared in more than 400 films.

Early life

Raghu was born as Kotturu Chikkarangappa Raghunath on 17 April 1965 as the ninth child of Chikkarangaiah and Veeramma, in a village Kotturu, in Pavagada taluk of the Tumkur district of the erstwhile Mysore State (now Karnataka). His father Chikkarangaiah was an agriculturist and folk artist who played Bayalaata. Raghu completed his schooling and college education in National College, Bangalore, where he developed an interest in acting. He was encouraged to act in plays by Rajashekhar, the son of noted playwright, Chandrashekhara Kambara. He also referred Raghu to the theatre institute, Rangayana in Mysore in 1988.

Career

Raghu trained as an actor in Rangayana before joining films in the mid-1990s. He last performed on stage in 2001. In 2004, he started the theatre group, Sanchari, with his wife, Mangala.

Raghu made his film debut in the 1995 Kannada-language film Suggi directed by Hamsalekha that eventually got shelved. His first release was Bhoomi Thayiya Chochchala Maga (1998), that saw him appear in a supporting role. He then appeared in the 2002 film Dhumm, which followed minor roles in Megha Banthu Megha (1998) and Aryabhata (1999). His major breakthrough was Yogaraj Bhat's debut directorial venture Mani (2003). Raghu then received praise for his performances in films like Ranga SSLC (2004), Duniya (2007), Modalasala (2010), Alemari (2012), and Director's Special (2013). Raghu made his debut in Tulu films in 2018 with My Name is Annappa.

Raghu played a respected folk artist humiliated by a wealthy man in Rangasamudra (2024), a film set in the North Karnataka region. His only grandson intends to restore his grandfather's lost self-respect by buying him a car. A. Sharadhaa of The New Indian Express wrote, "Rangayana Raghu shines every time he graces the screen, as a folk artist, he exemplifies a life of dignity." In the thriller, Shakhahaari (2024), he played an innocent Subbanna Bhat, who runs a small hotel, and has to shield a man on the run who is accused of murdering his wife. The film and Raghu's performance received praise from critics. The reviewer for Deccan Herald wrote: "Veteran Rangayana Raghu is brilliant in a nuanced role demanding wholesome acting. He seamlessly traverses through varied emotions."

Filmography

Awards and nominations

Karnataka State Film Awards

• 2003–04: Karnataka State Film Award for Best Supporting Actor: Mani
• 2006–07: Karnataka State Film Award for Best Supporting Actor: Duniya

Filmfare Awards South

• 2006: Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor – Kannada: Cyanide
• 2009: Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor – Kannada: Raam
• 2010:Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor – Kannada: Modalasala
• 2011:Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor – Kannada: Olave Mandara
• 2013:Filmfare Award for Best Supporting Actor – Kannada: Jayammana Maga

South Indian International Movie Awards

• 2011: Best Actor in a Negative Role (Kannada): Sanju Weds Geetha
• 2012: Best Actor in a Supporting Role (Kannada): Romeo
• 2021: Best Actor in a Negative Role (Kannada): Drona
• 2021: Best Comedian (Kannada): French Biriyani
• 2012: Best Comedian (Kannada): Shiva
• 2013: Best Comedian (Kannada): Jayammana Maga
• 2015: Best Comedian (Kannada): Power***
• 2016: Best Comedian (Kannada): Rana Vikrama
• 2022: Best Comedian (Kannada): Badava Rascal

Udaya Film Awards

• 2010: Best Supporting Actor
• 2012: Best Comedian: Mr. 420

Suvarna Film Awards

• 2007: Best Supporting Actor: Duniya
• 2009: Best Supporting Actor: Modalasala

IIFA Utsavam

• 2015Best Performance In A Supporting Role – Male (Kannada): Krishna Leela
• 2015:Best Performance In A Comic Role (Kannada): Rana Vikrama

Innovative Film Awards

• 2010: Best Supporting Actor

References

External links

• Rangayana Raghu at IMDb

1. Shakhahaari
2. Cyanide (2006 film)
3. Modalasala
4. List of Kannada films of 2024
5. Powder (2024 film)
6. Family Pack (2022 film)
7. Hyper (2018 film)
8. Junglee (2009 film)
9. Jaanu (2012 film)
10. Rama Rama Raghurama
11. Case No. 18/9
12. Kotee
13. Rangasamudra
14. Uttarakaanda (film)
15. Idolle Ramayana
16. Case of Kondana
17. Gowli (film)
18. Jackson (2015 film)
19. Gultoo
20. Duniya (2007 film)